Missed90% autopilot capable by 2015
“A Tesla car next year will probably be 90-percent capable of autopilot. Like, so 90 percent of your miles c…”
“Probably 2 years from now, we'll make a car that has no steering wheels or pedals.”
— Elon Musk · Apr 22, 2019 · Tesla Autonomy Day 2019 (official Tesla YouTube channel) ↗
▶ WATCH HIM SAY IT — TESLA AUTONOMY DAY 2019 (OFFICIAL TESLA YOUTUBE CHANNEL)
What actually happened
Musk predicted on April 22, 2019 that Tesla would make a car with no steering wheel or pedals in about two years (~2021). No such car existed by 2021. Tesla revealed the steering-wheel-free Cybercab in October 2024 and only began limited production around April 2026, roughly five years after the predicted timeframe. Wikipedia — List of predictions for autonomous Tesla vehicles by Elon Musk ↗
The Progression
Apr 22, 2019
The promise: “Probably 2 years from now, we'll make a car that has no steering wheels or pedals.” · Tesla Autonomy Day 2019 (official Tesla YouTube channel) ↗
Apr 22, 2021
Deadline passed. Musk predicted on April 22, 2019 that Tesla would make a car with no steering wheel or pedals in about two years (~2021). No such car existed by 2021. Tesla revealed the steering-wheel-free Cybercab in October 2024 and only began limited production around April 2026, roughly five years after the predicted timeframe. Wikipedia — List of predictions for autonomous Tesla vehicles by Elon Musk ↗
Today · Jun 18, 2026
Status: Missed · 1,883 days past due. Never happened.
Cars with no steering wheel by 2021 was unveiled in April 2019 with the notable detail that "In two years, Tesla will be making cars with no steering wheels or pedals." Millions of Tesla stakeholders and the broader automotive industry are affected and waiting for this autonomous vehicle innovation. This follows Tesla's pattern of similar predictions for self-driving technology, including robotaxis expected next year. The shift to fully autonomous cars without human controls could transform transportation by enhancing safety and efficiency through advanced software and hardware already in Tesla vehicles.
Receipts
LAST CHECKED 2026-06-17- [VIDEO] Tesla Autonomy Day 2019 (official Tesla YouTube channel)
- [REPORT] cnbc.com
- [REPORT] CleanTechnica Autonomy Day live quotes
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